The name Bryn originates from the Welsh language, where it means "hill" or "mound." The name dates back to the early medieval period in Wales and was often used as a topographic name, referring to someone who lived near a prominent hill or mound.

In its earliest forms, the name was spelled as "Bryn" or "Brin," and it was primarily used as a masculine name. It was derived from the Welsh word "bryn," which has its roots in the Proto-Celtic word "*brinn-" meaning "hill" or "elevated place."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bryn can be found in the Welsh prose tale "Culhwch and Olwen," which dates back to the 11th century. In this tale, there is a character named Bryn Eurgrair, which translates to "Bryn of the Golden Tongue."

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Bryn. One of the most famous was Bryn ap Gruffydd (c. 1286-1326), a Welsh nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Welsh Wars of Independence against the English.

Another prominent figure was Bryn Roberts (1870-1944), a Welsh politician and trade unionist who served as the first Labour Party Member of Parliament for the Wrexham constituency in North Wales.

In the literary world, Bryn Prys (1844-1917) was a Welsh poet and writer who is considered one of the most important figures in the revival of the Welsh language in the late 19th century.

Bryn Terfel (born 1965) is a renowned Welsh opera singer who has gained international acclaim for his performances in operas by composers such as Wagner and Puccini.

Bryn Fortey (1952-2020) was a British paleontologist and trilobite expert, known for his work on the systematics and evolutionary history of these ancient marine arthropods.

While the name Bryn has traditionally been more common in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom, it has also gained popularity in other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Australia.